If you want to revamp your home and add some exciting custom touches, you might just be ready for a home addition. There are several ways that you can add without compromising on the structural integrity or quality of the existing building. With the right planning and budget management, you could be well on your way to a brand new and improved home.

Take a look at these ideas for additions that would work great for your Santa Monica home:

Add a Garage: If you don’t have a garage already, or if you would like to expand the one you have, it can make for a great addition. Garages aren’t just for parking your car; they are the ideal storage space for things you cannot keep inside such as gardening supplies. The great thing about this addition is that it is fairly simple. Unlike many others, it doesn’t need finished flooring or tiles, drywall, cooling and heating ducts, or even expensive paint.

Expand the Kitchen: For people looking to buy a house, a kitchen is a major deciding factor. This is because the kitchen is often considered the heart of any home. Expanded kitchens are attractive and welcoming, with plenty of natural sunlight and space for the entire family. By expanding, you’ll also be able to create more space for storage, and even a little more pantry room. It also gives you an opportunity to add “green” appliances such as energy-efficient refrigerators and water-saving dishwashers. Remember that green appliances make you eligible for tax deductions.

Add a Bedroom Suite: Bedrooms are a great way to let your creativity run wild. Adding a bedroom, or expanding one of the existing ones will increase the value of your home, if you ever plan to resell. It also allows more room for your growing family, or if guests decide to stay over. The room can be as large or small as you’d like, and you can decorate it however you want. More bedrooms will also interest potential buyers even before they view it.

Make a Deck: Santa Monica has gorgeous weather, and what better way to enjoy it than with a deck? Decks let you enjoy great climates and even entertain guests, all from the comfort of your home. Adding a deck increases the value of the residence. A classic wooden deck can now be designed to suit your personal tastes, while still being fully functional and attractive. Again, this is a simple addition that won’t require flooring, ventilation ducts or extensive paint work.

When planning an addition, there are two things to keep in mind; the payoff when you sell your home, and whether you need a professional to help you out. You’ll need hard-working Santa Monica general contractors on the project as well. For more complicated additions, it’s best to let an experienced designer give you hand. When it comes to payoff, find out what additions can add true value to homes in your neighborhood beforehand.